Walk Across Maryland (WAM-33)

WAM-33 will take place on May 18, 19 & 20, 2018.

More than thirty years ago, Marshall Hamilton organized a 3-day, 40 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail, as a Maryland Mensa activity. Four hikers participated.

One thing led to a bunch of other things, and it turns out that lots of people enjoyed coming on the hike. Mensans and friends have joined together, covering the same ground every year, for 30-plus years now. Marshall & Karen have turned over the organizing chores to others now, but the tradition continues.

You are cordially invited to join us this year, for our 33rd annual hike.

Here's some of what you need to know:

The Hike

You can carry whatever you'd like; our only requirement is that you have enough water and food--meals and snacks--to get yourself through the hike. Most of us treat the hike as a series of three one-day-hikes, meaning that we don't try to carry tents, sleeping bags, or other nighttime gear with us. If you have a masochistic streak, or if you're getting in shape for a backpacking adventure, feel free to load on the weight. But most hikers leave their gear in their cars & retrieve it at the end of each day.
You're welcome to join us for one, two, or all three days. We are organizing a shuttle system for cars. If you need to stop before you've finished a full day, we'll try to help you, but you may be on your own to backtrack or check with Lyft or Uber to return to your vehicle.

Most of the Maryland AT is pretty well supported with cellphone access...in fact, some cell towers share the ridge with the AT.

Support

This hike is not a commercial venture, and the level of support is not what you might expect if you were working with a commercial outfitter.

This hike is a group of friends who like hiking and being outdoors.

Over the years, we've added a number of amenities to the hike. But please don't forget that our support is provided by volunteers, and limit your expectations to the times and places that will be announced at the beginning of each day.

Humans of all ages and descriptions are welcome to participate in any or all of the hike. Other animals are not welcome unless they are well-trained, and under the complete control of their human. If your animal does not meet this standard, i.e., under your complete control, your animal will not be permitted to mingle with other WAM hikers on the trail or at WAM meals, campsites, or other locations.

We are organizing support at one or two road crossings each day. If you would like to help, please email denali95@gmail.com

We'll announce the hours for each meeting place at the beginning of each day. Please do your best to meet the support during the stated hours; if you're running behind, you might find that the support vehicle has left before your arrival.

Fees

Last year, 2017, the fees were as follows: For three days, it's $45 per person. For Sunday only, it's $30 per person, and Friday and Saturday are $10 per day per person. At this time, we are considering changes in the fees, depending on what amenities might be provided, especially Sunday's picnic. We will update this area as decisions are made.

Nighttime

We'll stop each night along the trail at campsites, where hikers are welcome and encouraged to sleep in tents, in AT shelters, or under the stars.

If you'd rather stay in a commercial motel, or if you want to come out a day early and need a place to stay, we recommend that you stay in Hagerstown, Maryland. It's less than 10 miles from the Friday night and Saturday night camps, and perhaps 16 miles from Friday's starting point. If you're interested in making hotel reservations or if you're curious about what you might find in the Hagerstown area, just click here for a guide to Hagerstown.

To stay in Harpers Ferry, where the hike concludes on Sunday evening, you have lots of choices. Regrettably, the venerable Hilltop House, a shabbily-chic 1880s vintage hotel, is closed indefinitely. There's an Econo Lodge, a Quality Hotel, and several charming bed and breakfasts in town. For more information about options in Harpers Ferry, click here.